Anyone shoot a 25-06?

[Larry68GMC]

I found a Savage bolt action in 25-06 for a pretty good deal. I've never shot one. How is the recoil and are the fairly straight shooting? I'm kinda wanting to give it to my 12 year old and pass his 243 to my 9 year old. Would the recoil be comparable to the 243? I'm sure it would be plenty for the deer, hogs, etc. Thanks...

 

[aspade]

25-06 is a magnum in everything but name. Imagine a 7mm RM scaled down 20% and you've basically described the quarter bore.

Recoil isn't bad because the bullets are light - the 120s kick a bit, but the 100s and even more so the 85-90s are mild - but what kick there is is sharp and the muzzle crack is pretty harsh. I would go for a 26" barrel if possible.

Factory ammo is loaded on the weak side, and none of it is cheap.

Good coyote gun, good open country deer and antelope gun, but for a 12 year old going for deer and hogs there are better choices.

 

[osteodoc08]

My father has a 25-06 that I used to shoot all the time. I grew up shooting a 243Win and no real difference in recoil. It all depends on how it is loaded.

It is an excellent cartridge for all round shooting fun.

 

[rangerruck]

usually , the 25's are sold with a longer bbl, 24 or 26 inches. I would totally go for it.

 

[dakotasin]

25-06 is an outstanding cartridge. recoil is slight, and killing ability is there. shoots flat, hits hard, recoils minimal... what's not to like?

my wife has had one on a prairie dog town, my 7 year old daughter has chased gophers w/ it, and i've whacked a deer or 5 and an antelope or 6 w/ it... some 120 sierra gamekings loaded to full honk, and you've got a solid game-whacker.

 

[Dr.Rob]

.25-06 is no pussycat, it's a great long range varminter, antelope and deer rifle. I think it's light for elk but people have used it for that.

it's a necked down 30-06 and it doesn't kick as hard as the .30 or the .270 (to me). Granted the .25-06 I've been shooting is a Ruger varminter with a heavy barrel. I'd say on par with the .243.

 

[DWARREN123]

Good round for what it was made for, not for close in deer hunting.

 

[bearmgc]

I've used a 25-06 for antelope and its a great, sure hittin round that packs a punch in a little package for reaching out there. I regret letting that Ruger go, but I was younger and impulsive for something else. Recoil is very mild for the power it sends out there.